Holy Orders

2016 Ordinations - Diocese of St. Petersburg

What are the steps to priesthood?

Step One: Internal Discernment

Step Two: Application Process

Step Three: Seminary Formation

Step Four: Ordination

Some people think about priesthood for a long time, even from youth. Some, after discovering the call, act on it right away. Others discover this call only later in life (for some, much later). A good portion of internal discernment involves reflection, prayer, and listening to God. Being involved in one’s parish, going to Mass regularly, receiving the sacraments, attempting some type of Christian or community service, and trying to live a good Christian moral life are just some of the ways that often help to bring one’s call into focus. Our diocese offers various programs to help the individual discern his call from God. If the person, after prayer and thought, decides that he wants to proceed, he can then begin the application process.

For a man to apply to our seminaries, he must first meet several "external" criteria. The applicant must be a baptized and confirmed Catholic male. He must have at least completed high school or be within a year of completing high school (e.g. High School Senior). He must be in good health, under fifty years old and not bound by marital obligations. The candidate would then fill out the appropriate application forms, submit sacramental certificates and academic transcripts, and provide references. The candidate would also have several interviews (with the Director of Vocations and other Board members) as well as undergo the necessary psychological testing and screening. After the completion of the above, the Bishop and the Diocesan Seminarian Board will meet, evaluate the candidate’s application and then decide to accept the candidate, reject the application, or defer it until some point in the future.

SEMINARY LIFE

Once accepted, the seminarian will begin preparation for the priesthood at the seminary the diocese sends him to. If a seminarian comes directly after high school or possesses only some college education without finishing their degree, they will attend St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami to obtain a BA in Philosophy. photos courtesy St. John Vianney College Seminary

After completion of the College Seminary degree (or special one year program at the college seminary for those already with an undergraduate degree), the seminarian would then begin theological studies — usually at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach, Florida (near West Palm Beach). photos courtesy St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary

In general, seminary life includes academic studies (including studies of scripture, theology, philosophy, Church history, pastoral studies, etc.), spiritual direction (to help one grow in prayer), pastoral field work (hands-on experience in parishes or other ministries), and communal activities (including many things from prayer services to sports). Like any other school, seminarians have free time for recreation, etc.

ORDINATION

After all the years of education, training, and preparation, the candidate comes to the Cathedral of St. Jude for his ordination. (A seminarian is ordained a "transitional" deacon one year before being ordained a priest.) There, surrounded by family, friends, the priests of the diocese, and other religious and lay leaders, the bishop ordains the person to the priesthood. The ceremony, which is held within a Mass, includes a testimony of his worthiness and an affirmation by the assembly.

The candidate then makes several solemn promises before God to the bishop. After that, the candidate lies prostrate on the floor as the Litany of Saints is sung. Then, in an ancient gesture, the bishop lays hands on the candidate’s head, and then so do all the priests who are present. The bishop prays the prayer of consecration. The new priest is vested in the priestly Mass garments. His hands, which will offer the sacrifice of the Mass, are then anointed with Sacred Chrismfor their sacred duty. The bishop presents him with bread and wine and offers him a greeting of peace as the other priests welcome him into the Sacred Priesthood.

Now the person is able to celebrate the sacraments, and the new priest is sent to a parish to begin his life of service to the people of God.